Anti-vax doctor who described the COVID vaccine as 'needle rape' now appointed as a state public official

A doctor in Boise, Idaho, known for his adamant pushback against the COVID-19 vaccine, has been appointed to one of the largest public health boards in the state of Idaho.

Dr. Ryan Cole, who previously described the COVID vaccine as "fake" and as "needle rape," now serves on the Central District Board of Health in Idaho, according to The Washington Post. The controversial doctor was appointed to replace Dr. Ted Epperly, a 15-year board member who was ousted for embracing COVID restrictions to mitigate the spread of the virus. Cole, who was supported by the Ada County Republican Party, was selected by Republican county commissioners.

The publication reports that commissioners "liked his 'outsider' perspective and how he 'questioned' medical guidance." An example of Cole's stance on COVID mitigation was highlighted during an August 26th Zoom call when he condemned mask wearing.

"There's really statistically no efficacy in masks," Cole stated incorrectly during an August 26th Zoom call with Peace Valley Charter School, which was mulling over COVID-19 mitigation requirements to enforce for the new school year.

"I think we need to be prudent and say it's time to let children be children," Cole said.

Shortly after the announcement of Cole's appointment, medical professionals and public health experts quickly pushed back.

Speaking to Business Insider, Dr. David Pate expressed his concerns about Cole's appointment to the public health board. Pate made it clear that the ideologies Cole supporters are "simply not consistent" with the science and COVID guidance relied upon for public health.

He added, "And it's undermining our public health efforts. Dr. Cole is already using the cloak of his status as a licensed physician. He is using all of those things to give him an air of legitimacy. Now he will have this additional appointment that he can tout, that he is a public health board member."

The Idaho Medical Association also releases a statement condemning Cole's appointment as it argued that the selection process "favored politics over public health."